Tight swimming trunks to prevent post scrotal surgery: an experimental justification.

PURPOSE: To conduct a study to measure the pressure effects of the different scrotal supports applied on a simulated expanding scrotal hematoma.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We created a model of an expanding hematoma with simultaneous pressure recording using a urodynamics system. Pressures were recorded independently first without application of any support. Then, three types of scrotal supports were tested, including Euron Net Knickers, scrotal suspensory bandage, and tight swimming trunks brand Speedo® brief and shorts. Subsequent pressures were recorded using the model created, which was applied inside the supports worn by two male volunteers A and B.

RESULTS

Without any external compression, the pressure inside the simulated expanding hematoma "balloon" reached a maximum of 15 cmH2O. The pressures measured whilst wearing "Netelast knickers" in both subjects A and B reached a maximum of 15 cmH2O suggesting that this garment exerted no measurable compression. The suspensory scrotal support was then tested in both subjects. As the balloon started to fill with saline, the simulated hematoma pushed the scrotal support forward resulting in falling of the balloon outside the scrotal support. Subsequently, Speedo® briefs and shorts were tested. With Speedo® briefs, maximum filling pressures of 49 cmH2O and 40 cmH2O were reached in subjects A and B, respectively. When using Speedo® shorts, however, maximum pressures of 55 cmH2O in subject A and 54 cmH2O in subject B were reached at the end of the balloon filling to 300 mL of saline.

CONCLUSION

The use of tight swimming trunks (Speedo®) has led to satisfactory results in the prevention of hematoma post scrotal surgery.